Saunders Questions and Answers

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Psych/Mental Health Exit HESI – Saunders Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

A client newly prescribed haloperidol begins to have muscle rigidity and a high fever. What should the nurse do first?

• Provide a warm blanket.

✔✔B. Notify the provider of possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

• Offer oral fluids.
• Reassure the client that this is temporary.

A client with depression says, “Nothing matters anymore.” What is the nurse’s best therapeutic response?

• “You should stop thinking like that.”

✔✔B. “It sounds like you feel hopeless right now.”

• “Don’t worry, things will get better.”
• “Why do you feel like nothing matters?”
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A client in alcohol withdrawal develops tremors, sweating, and anxiety. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer?

• Haloperidol

✔✔B. Lorazepam

• Fluoxetine
• Lithium

A client taking sertraline reports restlessness, sweating, and muscle rigidity. What should the nurse suspect?

• Withdrawal syndrome

✔✔B. Serotonin syndrome

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Catatonia

A client with bipolar disorder is pacing rapidly, talking loudly, and interrupting others. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• Allow the client to release energy in groups.

✔✔B. Redirect the client to a quiet, low-stimulation area.

• Encourage detailed discussions. 2 / 4

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• Ignore the behavior until it stops.

A client states, “I hear a voice telling me I am worthless.” What is the nurse’s best response?

• “That voice isn’t real, don’t listen to it.”

✔✔B. “I understand the voices are upsetting. I don’t hear them.”

• “Why do you think the voice says that?”
• “You should ignore what you hear.”

A client prescribed lithium asks about fluid intake. What should the nurse teach?

• “Avoid drinking too much water.”

✔✔B. “Maintain a consistent daily fluid intake.”

• “Restrict fluids to reduce side effects.”
• “Only drink when you feel thirsty.”

A client with schizophrenia refuses food, saying, “The staff poisoned it.” What should the nurse do?

• Force the client to eat.

✔✔B. Offer sealed, packaged food. 3 / 4

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• Ignore the refusal and remove food.
• Ask security to enforce eating.

A nurse teaching about disulfiram includes which statement?

• “This medication reduces your craving for alcohol.”

✔✔B. “Drinking alcohol while on this drug can make you very ill.”

• “You can safely drink alcohol in small amounts.”
• “This drug cures alcoholism permanently.”

A client newly prescribed buspirone asks when it will begin working. Which response is correct?

• “It works within minutes.”

✔✔B. “It may take a few weeks to notice effects.”

• “It can be used only when needed.”
• “It may cause dependence quickly.”

A client with OCD washes hands repeatedly. What is the best nursing action?

• Stop the ritual immediately.

✔✔B. Allow handwashing but set time limits.

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